By Jeanni Ritchie
It took time — years, really — to reclaim the joy of Thanksgiving. One of my daughters was born on Thanksgiving and was critically ill. Her death poisoned my holiday memories, anchoring pain to the scent of roasted turkey and the clinking of silverware. For a while, Thanksgiving felt like a shadow instead of celebration.
But here’s what I’ve come to believe: Thanksgiving is nonnegotiable. It’s more than a date on the calendar. It’s a life-affirming stance. It’s gratitude even in the mundane.
I don’t care about debates over who came to America first, or whether history was whitewashed in my elementary school plays. I care about acknowledging blessings, even the messy ones that come after heartache. Acknowledging the ones that seemed late, but are a gift from an on-time God. Because I’ve learned that an ungrateful heart is a dark heart. Grateful people carry light.
I remember those elementary school plays — pilgrims, feathered hats, construction paper turkeys. They were simplistic, perhaps naive, but they taught us gratitude in the small ways. I still smile thinking of those giant buckles on hats.
Scripture reminds us: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, paraphrased) Gratitude isn’t conditional. It’s not just for when life is in a neat little box. It’s for every single day.
So when Thanksgiving rolls around, we should pause. Name what’s good. Name what hurts. Let both breathe. Then offer thanks anyway. Because thanksgiving in your heart opens the door for joy to return — especially when it’s been missing for a while.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
